News in Brief: A summary of developments across Los Angeles County | Pasadena

Task Force Is Seeking Site for New Ice Skating Rink

A task force is searching for a site within the city for a new two-rink ice skating facility to replace the aging rink behind the Civic Auditorium.

Among the sites being considered for the multimillion-dollar facility are several vacant areas near the Rose Bowl, officials said.

Officials at the city-owned Pasadena Center that houses the auditorium, the rink and convention halls said they formed the task force after North American Ice Sports indicated that it was interested in building a 65,000-square-foot facility to replace the 22-year-old rink.

"We want to be sure this facility stays in Pasadena," said Roger Smith, chief operating officer of the Pasadena Center.

The lease on the existing rink expires in 2001, Smith said. A new facility could allow the rink to return to its previous use as a ballroom. Chandeliers still hang from the rink's glass ceiling.